Des
Moines, Iowa—The
State Historical Building will be honoring the late Ike Seymour, affectionately
known as "Big Daddy", in a special temporary exhibit on display beginning
Jan. 29 during the I'll Make Me A World in Iowa celebration.

The display, titled "A Tribute to the Barbecue King," portrays Big Daddy
as one of Des Moines' most colorful and philanthropic characters. It includes
samples of Big Daddy's nationally known barbeque sauces, the pots he used to prepare
his sauces in, some of his hallmark hats and other memorabilia. It also includes
Big Daddy's famous waiver forms for his hot sauce, with such titles as "Code
Blue," "Check Out Time," and "Are You A Survivor?"

His sauces became famous after recieving local and national attention by the likes
of Peter Jennings from "World News Tonight" and "The Early Show"
with Bryant Gumbel. Many celebrities and politicans made Big Daddy's one of their
stops while visiting Des Moines and have professed their fondness for his mouth-watering
food and unique sauces. Pictures of Big Daddy with various celebrities also adorn
the display. The State Historical Society would like to thank Big Daddy's daughter,
Diane Reed, for her donation of these items.

Big Daddy participated in the first celebration day of I'll Make Me A World in
Iowa in 1999. He supplied food samples for and helped launch this successful event.
The event will be held Saturday, Jan. 29 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with a line up of
African-American performing artists, historical exhibits, soul food and special
guests like Bev Smith and Darryl VanLeer.

The State Historical Building is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday,
Noon-4:30 p.m. For more information, call 515-281-5111 or visit www.iowahistory.org.